California Girds for Electricity Woes

Increased Reliance on Wind, Solar Power Means Power Production Fluctuates

By

Rebecca Smith

Feb. 26, 2013 7:16 p.m. ET

SAN FRANCISCO—California is weighing how to avoid a looming electricity crisis that could be brought on by its growing reliance on wind and solar power.

Regulators and energy companies met Tuesday, hoping to hash out a solution to the peculiar stresses placed on the state's network by sharp increases in wind and solar energy. Power production from renewable sources fluctuates wildly, depending on wind speeds and weather.